Would you let go of your career in a cushy Government position to risk it all for your true passion? And what if you had children? Well, this is exactly what Rachel Fox did when she launched Renard & Co, a sought-after interior design company based in Toronto. Rachel has been a trailblazer in the home décor industry even before launching Renard & Co. Her vision when it comes to contemporary design caught the eye of publications like House & Home, and of several prominent homeowners in the GTA. With Renard & Company's evolution from a dynamic startup to an established industry reference, Rachel faces a new landscape of challenges and breakthroughs. This week on 'The Brand is Female,' I invite you to hear Rachel Fox share her journey and talk about the ups and downs of running a services business that still very much depends on her. If you’re a solopreneur or a founder in a creative industry, you will especially enjoy this one. Here is our conversation.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In a bold response to the scarcity of eco-friendly menstrual products in public venues, Roxane Champagne-Duval established Alea Protection in 2022. With a passionate commitment to sustainability and ending period stigma, her company provides organic and biodegradable tampons and pads and champions a revolution in menstrual health. Alea Protection has pioneered a comprehensive solution that empowers businesses to offer these vital products to their employees, supporting new federal mandates for free menstrual access in workplaces since December last year. In this inspiring episode, we delve into how Alea’s products have entered and transformed over 400 company bathrooms across Canada, including prestigious corporate firms and government institutions. We also explore Roxane’s ongoing efforts to extend these services into educational environments, driving forward a future where menstrual health is not a privilege but a right. Join us to discover the transformative power of inclusive workplace practices and envision a future where menstrual health accessibility is universal.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Growing up, Whitney Westwood’s family retreats to their home in the South of France not only offered her a picturesque backdrop but also shaped her essence of style and comfort, marked in part by the omnipresence of linen. From an early age, Whitney was steeped in a culture of travel, design, and the art of living well, walking through the cobblestone streets of Southern Europe and basking in the atmosphere and people of Cannes and St Tropez.

It was this lifestyle—marked by its effortless elegance and joie de vivre—that inspired Whitney to launch her own lifestyle brand, Whitney Linen. Using the relaxed yet chic vibe of the Cote D’Azur as her muse, Whitney designed a collection that captures the spirit of the Riviera: casual, stylish, and deeply woven into the fabric of everyday luxury. Linen, the cornerstone of her brand, is more than just a material—it's a reminder of her sun-soaked, joyful summers and a symbol of timeless, seasonless style.

In this week’s episode, Whitney joins us to discuss how her scenic childhood and international modelling career for designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Calvin Klein influenced her entrepreneurial journey. She'll share insights into how she captured the essence of Riviera elegance to build a brand that transcends traditional fashion seasons, making linen an everyday luxury — a stark contrast to fast fashion’s influence on global shopping patterns. Plus, Whitney reveals how embracing the lifestyle of gracious living can inspire creativity and timeless style in all aspects of life. Join us as we explore how Whitney Linen is weaving the fabric of a well-lived life, one elegant piece at a time.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

When they realized that the average garment gets worn 7 times before being tossed and the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse emissions, Justine and Kendall Barber, co-founders of Poppy Barley, a Canadian slow fashion company focused on quality, sustainability and ethical production decided to create a new kind of luxury in fashion. And that they did — today, the brand is thriving and meeting the needs of consumers in search of responsible accessories.

Kendall has always been committed time to giving back to the community, as a member of the 1000 Women Advisory Committee for Norquest College, a board member for YWCA Edmonton, a run ambassador for Lululemon, and a supporter of Hope Mission’s Kids in Action program. She was selected as one of Avenue magazine’s 2014 Top 40 under 40 for her work at Poppy Barley, and Western Living’s list for the “Ones to Watch” round-up at the 2014 Designers of the Year Awards.

Justine’s work history, with time spent working in consulting, conflict prevention, and Alberta’s 10 Year Plan to end Homelessness, reflects her commitment to social change. She has won the Alumni Innovation award from the U of A and was named one of Western Living Designers of the Year, “Ones to Watch,” and Global Edmonton Woman of Vision. 

This episode originally aired last season.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Meredith Shaw, recently appointed co-host of Breakfast Television, is a multitalented personality with a passion for inclusivity. Her diverse professional background spans broadcasting, music, and fashion, and Meredith's journey is a testament to breaking barriers and creating transformative conversations.

This week, we re-air this conversation with Meredith, where you’ll learn about her extensive career, from singer-songwriter to her life-changing role in radio, and how she's captivating audiences every morning as she wakes up the nation with her signature wit and warmth on TV. 

But Meredith's impact extends beyond television: she's a fierce advocate for body positivity and inclusivity, working closely with initiatives like Girls Inc., Girl Talk, and Shoppers Drug Mart’s “Run for Women”. Her mission is to inspire people of all sizes to embrace their power and feel fabulous in their own skin - and if we’re honest, she’s quite successful at it, including through her recent Toronto Star shoot with three other prominent TV personalities, with all talking out loud about body shaming, to make a world where words can’t be used as weapons.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Isabelle Hudon has consistently shattered expectations and proven skeptics wrong throughout her impressive career in the corporate world. As the President and CEO of BDC since August 2021, the first woman to occupy the role, Isabelle has not only held jobs that many doubted were within reach but has also excelled in them, leaving a trail of achievements from her time as Ambassador of Canada to France to her leadership roles at Sun Life Financial.

Isabelle's tenure at BDC is marked by her relentless drive to put development at the forefront, significantly enhancing support for Canadian entrepreneurs, with a focus on increasing capital available to female founders. Beyond her executive success, she is a staunch advocate for women's advancement, co-founding The A Effect and earning accolades such as the Commander of the Legion of Honour for her contributions.

In this episode, Isabelle generously shares her experiences of overcoming doubt, her strategic vision for creating a more inclusive and sustainable economy, and her dedication to paving the way for the next generation of women leaders. Tune in to explore the journey of a leader who turns skepticism into true power.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This week, my guest is Tiffany Callender, a community developer and social entrepreneur whose work has profoundly impacted Montreal's Black community over her 16-year career. As the youngest female Executive Director of one of Quebec's oldest Black organizations, Tiffany was named among the 100 most influential people of African descent under 40 in 2020. In 2021, she spearheaded the creation of the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) for which she is CEO, where she set up the $160 million Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund in collaboration with Canada’s federal government. In this conversation, we discuss FACE’s impact on the Black entrepreneurial community three years later.

A passionate advocate for social equity, Tiffany has actively contributed to shaping policies to address racism and systemic discrimination, including her work with Montreal’s consultation on racism and systemic discrimination and Quebec’s Laurent Commission on protecting Black children in the Youth Protection system. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tiffany is a devoted mother of three, an aspect of her life that inspires her career.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Kelsey Irvine is part of the mother/two-daughters trio behind Birch Babe, a Canadian skincare brand that's making waves in the natural beauty industry. Kelsey's career is a blend of creativity, commitment to sustainability, and a keen eye for storytelling. With a background in commercial advertising and documentary directing, she has a unique ability to craft content that looks good and connects on an emotional level.

Kelsey isn't just about making things look pretty; she's deeply invested in making a difference. Her work as an Oscar-nominated producer highlights her dedication to narratives that drive positive change. This passion is a perfect match for Birch Babe's ethos, which prioritizes natural and ethically sourced ingredients, waste reduction, and minimizing carbon footprints. As CEO and Head of Creative and Communications at Birch Babe, Kelsey has helped the brand grow into a leader in the natural beauty market, earning a dedicated following and a reputation for excellence. 

In this episode, we delve into how Kelsey's blend of creative talent and strategic thinking and her commitment to eco-friendly practices helped shape a successful brand that stands for more than just beauty products. She also brings up her sobriety journey and commitment to living intentionally.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In March 2020, Halifax-based Kerry Maher's world turned upside down with the closure of her restaurant. Facing uncertainty, she was inspired by her mother's question, "Now what?" Opting for action, Kerry reached out on Facebook Live, unsure if anyone would join her for a workout. Leveraging her background as a Golf Pro and Fitness Instructor, Kerry’s leap of faith sparked an incredible journey.

From her living room to her garage, Kerry has built a daily ritual where more than 200 women gather to share in gratitude and exercise. It's a narrative not just about staying fit, but about forging connections in times of isolation and transforming adversity into an opportunity for community and personal growth.

In this episode, we delve into Kerry's remarkable shift from restaurant owner to a source of hope and health for a nationwide community.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Creating a successful business is a formidable journey on its own, but what happens when you have to let go of it because your life is unravelling at the seams? This guest has a remarkable story to share, so good that we are re-airing a recent episode featuring Alli Webb, the visionary founder behind Drybar, whose iconic blowouts have graced the locks of Hollywood's elite, from Zooey Deschanel to Julia Roberts.

Alli's achievements are nothing short of astonishing. She's been celebrated in prestigious publications like Fast Company, Fortune, Marie Claire, and Inc., and she's penned a bestselling book. And she accomplished all of this before hitting forty.

But beneath the glitz and glamour, success exacted its toll. Alli found herself navigating the shattering of her marriage, the heartbreaking journey of her fourteen-year-old son, and a growing sense of emptiness in her thriving business.

Falling into the depths of depression, Alli made a pivotal decision – to sell her beloved venture and embark on a journey of self-discovery, where she would confront her raw, unfiltered truth. A few months ago, she launched a book titled “The Messy Truth."

Through embracing her authentic self, Alli discovered that life unfolds in the moments between laughter and tears and that there's beauty in every imperfect chapter. Tune in as we dive into her incredible story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of embracing vulnerability. Enjoy listening to this conversation for the first, or second time.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Robyn Wishart, a Vancouver-based personal injury lawyer, has been a force for change in the legal industry since 2001. At Wishart Brain and Spine Law LLP, she tackles complex injury and insurance cases AND challenges the industry's status quo. Wishart has leveraged her early experiences, including representing insurers like Lloyds of London, to advocate for her clients with a blend of tenacity and innovative legal strategies. Wishart brings a unique perspective to the practice of law. Her work, particularly in applying neuroscience to legal strategy, sets her apart and has made her a sought-after speaker and educator, even leading workshops at Harvard University's Ultimate Trial College—a first for a Canadian. 

More than her legal achievements, Wishart is committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women lawyers. Her firm is recognized for offering opportunities and fostering a more favourable culture for women than traditional law firms. This approach both enriches the firm and sets a new standard for the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in creating a successful and compassionate legal practice. Robyn's holistic approach to law underscores the importance of addressing clients’ legal and well-being needs, ensuring they focus on living full lives beyond their claims. Her leadership in promoting inclusivity and opportunities for women in law marks her as not just a legal advocate but a pioneering figure in shaping a more equitable legal landscape.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale